The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines comes in two editions annually—in spring and fall. Come for Spring Fling during a weekend in late May, or visit Fall Faire during three excellent weekends in September. Established in 2006, the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow has become a cherished family tradition. Guests can explore the wonders of a theme park, resembling a typical English village, featuring the English castle in the north, the Scottish castle in the south, taverns, shops, and entertainment stages.
No matter which season you choose for your exciting Renaissance getaway, the festival promises a fun-packed program, which everyone in the family will enjoy. You can watch live performances and a street theatre, go shopping, or taste the goodies, offered by food vendors on site.
Program highlights
Daily tournaments by JoustEvolution, Iowa’s only professional joust team, is one of the main highlights of the Faire. The show combines hard-hitting action with a great sense of humor. Another combat experience is provided by Order of Wrath-The New Order. Performers wear historically accurate heavy armor and medieval weapons.
Guests can immerse themselves further in the Middle Ages atmosphere with the Guardians of the Black Forest, an interactive living history encampment. Visitors can try leatherworking or work with live steel forge and learn about brewing, the art of heraldry, traditional fletching, and medieval astronomy.
Special events at the spring Faire include The Cannon Ball party for all those 21 and over. A pirate bash, with live music and drinks, is hosted by the Royal Rogues and Renegades.
The fall fair features three themed weekends with different acts, costumes, and more. Celtic Ceilidah is a vibrant celebration of Scottish and Irish culture with Highland Games. Dungeons, Dragons, Wizards, and Fae is a weekend theme for fantasy fans. Pirates, (steam)Punks, and Pets is the theme of the final weekend.
Marketplace
The RenFaire marketplace hosts dozens of merchants, like Ravenworks the Pirate’s Chest, Lords of Leather, Raevyn Atelier, Beard in the North, and The Traveling Crafters. Renaissance-themed goods, arts, and crafts include apparel, boots, hats, leather Items, jewelry, Viking-inspired gifts, crochet Items, soap, hats, headpieces, and aprons. Food vendors offer Renaissance-themed foods like turkey legs, grilled meat, Fish N Chips, fries, and, of course, rum.
Tickets and hours
The fairgrounds is open from 10 am to 6 pm. Weekend admission to the Faire is $20. Early bird discounts are available. Children under 13 get in for free. Parking is $5. More information is provided on the event's official website or Facebook, listed in the External Resources at the bottom of the read. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow is set at 4051 Dean Ave in Des Moines, Iowa. Make sure you book your stay somewhere in the vicinity for your convenience. The accommodations map lists the best nearby lodgings.
